Bluewater Boat - Feedback Requested

[SailingWY]

Okay, all. I've been all over these forums and too many other Inet locations to count (didn't do my "real" work today) and I'm still looking for some expert advice. I did like the recent exchange between CD and Nemier; that was outstanding on both sides!

As my Bristol post originally mentioned, I'm looking at a "retirement" plan in 6-8 years. It involves lots of open bluewater and many miles of it. As such, I'm looking for a boat that is built for that ultimate goal.

In addition, here is the other criteria:
1 - Stability and Safety - VITAL
2 - Speed - steady, doesn't need to be a racer (see #1)
3 - size, 34' - 39', handles stowage and potential crew/visitors
4 - crewed by 1-2 people for long durations
5 - Purchase budget < $100k
6 - Healthy & handy, comfortable with "hands-on" work and technology

After researching for the last couple of years, I was looking closely at a Valiant Esprit 37'. It's been suggested to me to entertain a Vancouver 36' (Harris design, early 80s); I'll be looking at one shortly.

So, with these two in mind, I'd like some input. First, what do y'all think of these 2 designs and how do they compare? Second, what other suggestions might y'all have in the price range and of comparable (or newer) vintage?

I would like the boat to be in US to facilitate purchase; it will be slipped in mid-Atlantic and SE U.S. over the next several "working" years. This will provide me time to get to know the boat, her characteristics (good and bad), and "work her out" while I get the kids grown up and off to college.

Thanx for all your advice; I'll take it all.

Smooth Sailing - Keith

[danielgoldberg]

Keith, do you have sailing experience? If so, on what types of boats? And exactly what do you plan to be doing with the boat? I know you say many bluewater miles, but that could mean different things to different people.

[bobmcgov]

From your handle -- you in Wyoming?

[Sanduskysailor]

Niagra 35 with factory cutter rig. Perfect size for a couple and easy enough to handle.

[belliegirl2]

How about a wauquiez pretorian. Fits your list. Nice boats.

Heres an example from yachtworld.com, there are several for sale out and about.
1984 Wauquiez Pretorian Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[flashingbrine]

For around 100k, you can find an older Shannon 38 or Cabo Rico 38 that is structurally sound but perhaps in need of a little TLC. Short of maybe Hinckley or Morris, you really can't find a better built boat than either. Both are extremely forgiving and as good as anything out there in terms of safety at sea.
The Valiant Esprit, which is a great boat, will be more close-winded than either, and will certainly be easier to dock with its shorter, deeper keel. A longer keel makes for great tracking and a more forgiving motion at sea, however, and will take a grounding better, which is of concern if you are going to be doing a lot of shallow water sailing and exploring. In addition, the Shannon and Cabo Rico have rounder bottoms and heavier displacement, indicating that they will have more room for stowage and, when weighted down with supplies, will not suffer as significant a performance hit.

[sailingdog]

A southern cross 35/39 would do the trick too.

[boogins]

A Cape Dory 36 would fit the bill. Not the fastest boat out there, but definitely meets #1.

[SailingWY]

A lot of replies in a short couple of days. Sailing experience I'd call moderate. Grew up (and obviously sailed) in San Diego and have a business office in the DC area; there often sailing and working. Definitely will be "furthering the education" as it were over the next 5-6 years.

In WY - yes, until the kids are into college. Meanwhile, I'm working on a boat that can be slipped in the Chesapeake in summer, south in winter. It will likely end up as a temporary office at least part of the year.

I've looked at the Cape Dory and appreciate the Alberg design. I'm trying to minimize exterior teak so that "business trips" don't become complete maintenance trips; that defeats the point of using them to "further the education." This was one of the draws of the Valiant Esprit 37'; the Southern Cross looks similar.

I just had a recommendation to look at an Ericson; any thoughts?

I should clarify and say the price range is purchase; with the time frame, obviously provisioning will come later (and hopefully more $$ :-D). The size is predicated on 1) needs, 2) slipping and maintenance costs.

Does anybody have any experience with the Harris-designed Vancouver 36'? It appears to be a solid boat, and the full-keel appeals for it's bluewater benefits and shallow water capabilities. Again, performance, while nice, is certainly below these two things (it will not be raced; that would require boat #2 :-P).

Please keep up the great discussion; I'm taking lots of notes.

Keith

[Sanduskysailor]

While I don't have one, a close friend has owned one for the last 12 years and has done extensive cruising with his wife. Well built with a true cruising interior. Retrofit to a cutter rig for more versatility offshore. Check this out 1982 Hinterhoeller Niagara 35 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com